Hi! This is Rachel Malay, director at the Port Library in Beloit. Our rotating book van visits next week, so if you’re looking for a different selection to browse, stop by later in the week to see what’s new!The job title of caregiver describes a vital role usually taken on by adult children when caring for their elderly parents. It is not easy to be a caregiver, and even less certain when a child or concerned friend should step in to help an older person.

The Caregiver's Companion: Caring for Your Loved One Medically, Financially and Emotionally While Caring for Yourself by Carolyn A. Brent is a compact, succinct guide to anyone functioning as a caregiver. Ms. Brent starts at the very beginning, helping readers identify if they are actually acting as a caregiver without even knowing it. She includes stories from her own experiences, as well as practical checklists and questionnaires throughout the book. Topics covered include: signs that your loved one needs more assistance, what to look for in a retirement home, care-taking in your own home, how to ensure wills are in order, how to manage difficult family relationships, and ensuring you are getting the help and care you need.

The library has many other guide related to specific end-of-life illnesses and this guide doesn't specifically touch on the spiritual aspects that accompany this life transition. Still, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and need a friendly, short introduction into the role of care-giving, this book can be tackled in one weekend. You can get the book reviewed here and more great titles to watch, read, listen to, or play with at the Port Library at 1718 N. Hersey in Beloit. This is director Rachel Malay, saying “Thanks for checking us out!”